This news aggregator site highlights South African labour news from a wide range of internet and print sources. Each posting has a synopsis of the source article, together with a link or reference to the original. Postings cover the range of labour related matters from industrial relations to generalist human resources.
In our Tuesday morning roundup, see
summaries of our selection of recent South
African labour-related reports.
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BUSA takes government to court over ‘unworkable’ employment equity sectoral targets News24 reports that employer lobby group Business Unity SA (BUSA) has instituted legal action against employment equity targets implemented by the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL). The new employment equity (EE) regulations have introduced sectoral targets for workplace transformation as set by Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth. They took effect from 1 September. BUSA is not the first business group to challenge the sectoral targets introduced under the Employment Equity Act (EEA). Sakeliga and the National Employers Association of SA (Neasa) launched an urgent interdict against the employment equity regulations shortly before they came into effect. This urgent interdict was denied by the Gauteng High Court in August. BUSA said in a statement that, while it supported the EEA and the concept of sectoral targets, it was concerned about procedural and substantive flaws in how these targets were developed and introduced. “If allowed to stand, they risk undermining the very goal of an inclusive, transformed economy,” BUSA said. It criticised the lack of meaningful consultation in developing the targets, saying employers were given less than a week to respond to draft targets, with many receiving documents just hours before scheduled meetings. According to BUSA, the DEL also failed to adequately explain how the targets were calculated or the demographic data and assumptions used. “Unworkable targets do not advance transformation. They deepen frustration and erode trust in public policy,” BUSA maintained. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Aurelia Mouton at News24 (subscription / trial registration required). Read too, BUSA joins the march to court over new employment equity targets, at Moneyweb. And also, SA’s new employment equity targets face another major legal battle, at BusinessTech Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Farmworker finds live grenade in a sugar cane plantation in KwaZulu-Natal IOL News reports that a live grenade was safely secured by the SAPS Explosives Unit after having been discovered by a farm worker at a sugar cane plantation in Blackburn, near Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal on Monday morning. The explosive, with its pin still intact, was spotted by a tractor driver while loading sugar cane into a trailer. The device was found amidst a pile of rubbish, prompting the driver to alert his employer, who contacted the Reaction Unit SA (RUSA) Operations Center for assistance. "Reaction officers were dispatched immediately to the scene to ensure the safety of the farm workers and assess the situation," a RUSA spokesperson indicated. Officers interviewed the employee to understand the circumstances surrounding the find. SAPS explosive experts arrived shortly afterward and safely removed the grenade, preventing any potential harm to the farm staff or the surrounding area. Investigations are underway to determine how the grenade ended up on the farm and its origin. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Xolile Mtembu and view a photograph at IOL News
Masemola claims KZN councillors staged assassinations to secure bodyguards for themselves EWN reports that National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola claims some councillors in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) staged assassination attempts on themselves to secure bodyguards from their municipalities. A significant portion of Masemola’s testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria on Monday focused on the political killings task team and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s efforts to disband it. The unit has been at the centre of allegations by KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who suggested that Mchunu sought to dissolve it to protect criminal elements. Masemola said that although the task team was effective in investigating the murders of politicians in the province, there were multiple attempts to exploit it. "In some cases, councillors would go as far as saying somebody must shoot at their shoes and not too deep in the bone, but when investigations continue, some would confess that they just wanted a budget from their municipalities so that they can get protection," he testified. Read the original of the short report in the above regard by Alpha Ramushwana at EWN Tshwane to unilaterally implement allowance for VIP protectors in lieu of overtime payments Moneyweb reports that the City of Tshwane is to proceed with the implementation of a R35,000 per month allowance for its VIP protectors in lieu of overtime payments, despite a lack of support for this from municipal unions. By law, VIP protection is limited to the mayor, deputy mayor, chief whip and speaker. Other councillors only qualify if a risk assessment by the SA Police Service (SAPS) indicates that they are in danger. In Tshwane, however, all nine other members of the mayoral committee (MMCs), as well as the municipal manager and the head of the metropolitan police, also receive this protection. Seemingly, the necessary risk assessments have not been carried out. It was recently reported that the council unanimously approved a monthly allowance of R35,000 for the 63 VIP protectors, which will replace overtime pay. This was supposedly necessary due to criticism from the Auditor-General regarding excessive spending on overtime. At the subsequent meeting of the local labour forum, the unions pointed out that the council had yet to provide them with the necessary documents they had requested to be able to make an informed decision on the allowance. The meeting was then postponed to 23 September. But, on 16 September, the municipal manager informed the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (Imatu) in writing that the council would be proceeding unilaterally with implementing the allowance decision. Imatu responded to say the fixed allowance “is not the correct approach to address the excessive overtime in this division of the metro police.” It has threatened to report the metro council to the Department of Labour over the long hours worked by the VIP protectors, and has reserved the right to refer compliance with the current collective labour agreement to “the appropriate forum.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Antoinette Slabbert at Moneyweb Other internet posting(s) in this news category
International Relations Minister and Solidarity in a war of words Newsday reports that the heated spat between SA’s government and the Solidarity Movement escalated this week as Solidarity’s leadership launched a counter-attack against condemnation leveled by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola. Following the dispatch of a new delegation to the United States (US), Solidarity CEO Dr. Dirk Hermann published an open letter directly addressing Lamola. He accused the ANC-led government of “reckless domestic and foreign policies” that were responsible for the collapse of trade relations and job losses. The current delegation, which includes trade union Solidarity and civil rights organisation AfriForum, is undertaking the trip to the USA while SA goods face an onerous 30% tariff. Solidarity maintains that the mission is aimed at mending the strained relationship between the two countries by engaging with US government role players at federal and state levels to advocate for SA, its economy, and its working population. However, Lamola described the delegation as a distraction that sent a negative message internationally, potentially souring the diplomatic relationship further. In an open letter, Hermann said Solidarity was stepping into a “diplomatic vacuum” left by the government, insisting that the trip was not out of choice but necessity. The union placed responsibility for the trade fallout squarely on the ANC, arguing that R160 billion in exports and more than 500,000 jobs were at risk if a trade deal could not be secured. On Sunday, the union unveiled a proposed trade framework for SA and the US. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Newsday Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Amid closure crisis, SA smelters anxiously await ‘critical’ new power price deal News24 reports that SA’s last remaining smelters are on tenterhooks as the government weighs a potentially life-saving electricity pricing deal that could rescue the industry from collapse. Last week, Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa met with key players from the ferrochrome and broader smelting sector to address urgent electricity pricing concerns as the industry looks to compete with global giants such as China. With electricity prices having surged more than 800% since 2007, the sector is buckling under cost pressures – leading to widespread shutdowns, including the recent suspension of three smelters jointly owned by Glencore and Merafe Resources. During this critical meeting, the minister underscored the dual imperatives of addressing the immediate pressures facing the industry and ensuring long-term pricing stability necessary for sustainable economic growth. Ramokgopa assured attendees that he was working diligently with key stakeholders to finalise the electricity pricing issue, with updates to be communicated promptly. Sources close to the matter believe that cut-price tariffs for smelters could be presented as soon as this week. Noting that there seemed to confirmation that the way the Eskom tariff hikes were applied to the sector was unsustainable, Nellis Bester of the Ferro Alloy Producers’ Association noted: “I think there’s an urgency for the first time this year. We are crossing our fingers. We really hope that there will be some support coming very soon. It is critical … We actually have weeks for a decision to be taken.” Chrome is by far the largest segment of the smelting industry, but out of some 45 furnaces in SA’s chrome-smelting sector, only two are currently operating. The closure of all smelters could impact an estimated 300 000 jobs, Bester said. This would include permanent employees, plus permanent contractors and indirectly affected service providers. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Lisa Steyn at News24 (subscription / trial registration required)
JMPD warns of job scam, urges public not to pay for physical assessments The Citizen reports that the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has warned the public of a fraudulent recruitment scam falsely inviting applicants to a “Last Chance Physical Assessment” at the Ruimsig Athletics Stadium in Roodepoort. JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said the fraudulent invitation, which has been widely circulated on the social media platform WhatsApp by an individual claiming to be “T Kuduza”, requests applicants to pay a fee to bypass certain stages of the recruitment process. “The options presented in the message include a second chance option, where you pay R2,500 for another attempt at the wall jump assessment, a priority option of where you pay R5,000 to proceed directly to the psychological test stage and thirdly, an advanced selection option where you pay R7,000 to proceed directly to the interview stage,” Fihla reported. He said physical assessments for recruitment were ongoing, but the public was urged not fall victim to this scam. “The JMPD wishes to state unequivocally that this is a scam. The department does not charge any fees for recruitment, assessments, or any part of the application process … All legitimate physical assessments are free of charge,” he pointed out. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Faizel Patel at The Citizen
Players’ union slams Siwelele FC for ‘disrespecting player contracts’ TimesLIVE reports that the SA South African Football Players' Union (Safpu) has warned the new Betway Premiership club Siwelele FC against reckless governance and disrespect for players' contracts. After buying the top flight status of SuperSport United ahead of the new season, the club has struggled with only a single league victory and a draw, while losing five matches in seven. On Sunday, the club announced the departure of CEO Stan Matthews and assistant coach Andre Arendse. Chair Calvin Le John also revealed the side would part ways with several players, whom he said have not shown a hunger to represent the team. He said other players would be signed. Safpu slammed Le John's stance, saying players' contracts needed to be respected. “What we are witnessing is not merely administrative turbulence but a dangerous assault on the hard-won gains that safeguard the dignity and security of football professionals in this country … A footballer’s livelihood cannot be treated as disposable, nor can contractual obligations be cast aside as though human beings were objects on a balance sheet,” Safpu said. As part of the deal when they secured the status, Siwelele had to remain in Gauteng for a season while playing their home games in Bloemfontein, a requirement that is proving difficult to fulfil. Safpu indicated: “Expecting players to travel by road for seven to eight hours, only to then perform at elite levels, is reckless and unacceptable. Such practices compromise recovery, heighten fatigue and increase the risk of injury – directly undermining the quality of performance and the sustainability of careers.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Neville Khoza at TimesLIVE
Six months on, disciplinary action over EMPD overtime protest that paralysed major highways remains unclear Bedfordview Edenvale News reports that six months after the unlawful protest by Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) officers brought major transport routes to a standstill, questions remain unanswered regarding disciplinary action against those involved. Following the illegal protest on 19 March, senior city officials announced that the matter had been escalated to the MMC for Community Safety, Sizakele Masuku, for handling. However, no update or formal communication has been issued regarding the status of the matter. In a media briefing held earlier this year, Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza condemned the protest action as deeply irresponsible and unlawful, noting that EMPD officers were essential service providers prohibited from engaging in industrial action. Notwithstanding repeated commitments to hold individuals accountable and restore public trust, enquiries sent to Masuku have gone unanswered, leaving the public in the dark about any outcomes, resolutions, or ongoing investigations. The protest saw EMPD officers using city-issued vehicles and service firearms to blockade critical highways, including the R21, N12, N17, and N3, effectively paralysing movement to and from OR Tambo International Airport, a designated national key point. The protest was sparked by frustration over reduced overtime allocations, an issue raised by the SA Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu). At the time, city officials maintained that overtime was tied to operational demands and performance, and was not an entitlement. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Lonwabo Keswa at Bedfordview Edenvale News
Former Stellenbosch municipality acting director dismisses racism allegations Cape Times reports that former acting director of corporate services at Stellenbosch Municipality, Alexander Kannemeyer, has described the racism allegations levelled against him as “a witch-hunt and vindictive attempt” to stifle or prevent his investigation against senior Infrastructure management personnel. Kannemeyer broke his silence in a scathing four-page letter in response to the Council’s 5 September resolution recommending his suspension. He recently resigned from the acting director position and now continues to serve solely in his role as Human Resources Manager. Kannemeyer was thrust into the spotlight after a two-minute video clip, leaked from a confidential 30-minute meeting, surfaced on social media. In the video he suggested that white employees be removed in order to meet transformation targets and that “life must be made difficult” for them, compelling them to resign. After the clip was leaked, the DA and Solidarity called for Kannemeyer’s suspension. The issue was scheduled for discussion at a council meeting last week, where his response to the proposed suspension was to have been considered. However, Kannemeyer resigned beforehand from the corporate services role. In his letter to council, Kannemeyer noted that the council was already aware of the “infamous” social media video as early as late June 2023. He wrote that after grievances were submitted in June and July 2023, an investigation found no wrongdoing from his side. “Subjecting me to a repeat of this particular matter amounts to transgressing the principle of double jeopardy. I deny that the wording used and or statements made by me amounts to racist statements or any form of racism. I further submit that the video recording used is a 2 min snippet of a 30 min plus recording of a recruitment and selection discussion which is taken out of context, misconstrued and in terms of the recruitment policy a confidential matter.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Nicola Daniels at Cape Times
Bergrivier municipal official dismissed for ‘repeated sexual harassment’ of colleague TimesLIVE Premium reports that a municipal official who repeatedly sexually harassed a female colleague who relied on him for transport to and from work has lost his job after the Cape Town Labour Court ruled he “showed no remorse” for his behaviour. On Monday, the court overturned a SA Local Government Bargaining Council adjudicator’s ruling that gave official a 10-day suspension without pay and a final warning for “serious, repeated sexual harassment of a colleague”. The man faced four charges, two of which were dropped. He pleaded not guilty. According to the judgment, incidents occurred twice on 4 November 2023, while he travelled with the victim in a municipal vehicle. Details of what occurred are contained in the news report. The judgment described the misconduct as “of an exceedingly serious nature”. It was repeated on two further occasions. The employee “showed no remorse for his conduct”. On the contrary, he denied it at his disciplinary hearing. The adjudicator declined to impose a sanction of dismissal because the municipality had not pertinently led evidence on its policy on sexual harassment and the breakdown of the trust relationship between employer and employee. “The [adjudicator] clearly erred in finding, on the facts of this case, that the municipality was under an obligation to lead evidence on its sexual harassment policy and the breakdown of the trust relationship between employer and employee,” the LC found. It set the adjudicator’s ruling aside and substituted it with a finding that the official] be summarily dismissed. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Philani Nombembe at TimesLIVE Premium (subscriber access only) New sexual misconduct allegations surface against Eastern Cape school teachers News24 reports that just a week after pupils at Mthatha’s St John’s College shut down their school demanding action against male teachers who allegedly sexually harassed female pupils, a former pupil at an Eastern Cape school made serious allegations of sexual harassment. This time, the allegations have been directed at JS Skenjana Senior Secondary School in Dutywa – once a top performing school in the area. Over the weekend, social media was abuzz with a viral video of a former pupil who alleged she was unfairly targeted at the school after refusing advances from male teachers. Among other allegations, the ex-pupil mentioned the names of two male teachers who she alleged were having sex with female pupils at the school. “Year after year, children got pregnant and then had abortions. They are impregnated by male teachers at the school. The teachers at the school are aware of the incidents,” the ex-pupil alleged. She claimed pupils were punished when they rejected teachers’ sexual advances. Education MEC Fundile Gade called on complainants to come forward. “Actions of this nature must be reported to the nearest office of the department and the police. As a department, we will always support all our learners facing this ordeal,” he indicated, adding that speedy resolution of the cases was needed to ensure justice was served for the victims. Last week, the department suspended seven male teachers at St John’s College after allegations were made that they were having sex with, and impregnating, female pupils. This followed a female-led protest at the school last Wednesday. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sithandiwe Velaphi at News24 (subscription / trial registration required). Read too, Eastern Cape male teachers exposed for rape culture following viral video, at Sunday World Gender equality commission holds the Department of Water and Sanitation accountable for handling of sexual harassment issues IOL News reports that on Monday the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) gave the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) a stern talking to when it came to addressing concerns of sexual harassment and their sexual harassment policy. The DWS management appeared before CGE in an accountability session, held in Cape Town, where they intended to provide a clear account of progress made on its previous commitments to advancing gender equality and transformation in the workplace - specifically, focusing on addressing concerns surrounding sexual harassment. In October 2024, the CGE initiated its own investigation into policy failures and structural gaps in managing sexual harassment within DWS in the Western Cape. The purpose of the investigation was not to focus on the allegations of sexual harassment or prove their existence, but rather the broader issues relating to the DWS failure to create a safe and harassment-free workplace. Most of Monday’s accountability session dealt with over-reliance by the DWS on an outdated sexual harassment policy, and also on two cases of sexual harassment the DWS had dealt with over the past 24 months. After the presentation by the DWS, CGE CEO, Dr Dennis Matotoka, gave the department a wake-up call. “There's something fundamentally wrong at a leadership level. There is no intentional commitment to transform the workplace at a leadership level,” Matotoka noted. Matotoka also questioned the policy review framework of the DWS, saying that “it can’t be for two years, you have failed and or neglected to develop or amend a sexual harassment policy”. Read the full original of the extensive report in the above regard by Theolin Tembo at IOL News Other internet posting(s) in this news category
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